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OM: The real reasons behind Benatia's resignation
Olympique de Marseille: Why did Medhi Benatia decide to leave?
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Benatia / @x.com/ActuFoot_
The crushing defeat against their historical rivals, Paris Saint-Germain (5-0), left its mark far beyond the pitch. It triggered a genuine earthquake at the heart of Olympique de Marseille's management.
In the aftermath of Le Classique, sporting director Medhi Benatia announced his resignation, while head coach Roberto De Zerbi was dismissed. This double exit is a clear sign of the deep crisis engulfing the Marseille club.
In a statement published on his social networks, the former Atlas Lions defender insisted that his decision was far from impulsive. According to Benatia, his departure was the result of ongoing internal issues and persistent tensions.
Benatia claimed he served the club's sporting project with commitment and loyalty. However, a tense atmosphere and a lack of communication within the club gradually made his mission increasingly difficult. He ultimately chose to step aside rather than become an obstacle to the team's progress.
Financial disagreements at the heart of the issue
According to information revealed by Foot Mercato, budgetary concerns were one of the main sources of conflict. Promises to provide a substantial budget to strengthen the squad were not kept.
This situation forced the sporting management to rely on short-term solutions, including loans and complex financial arrangements. This context greatly reduced Benatia's room for manoeuvre and weakened his influence over strategic decisions.
The same source also reported that the relationship between Benatia and club president Pablo Longoria had become strained. Disagreements over roles and decision-making processes gradually undermined their partnership, which was initially described as strong when Benatia was appointed in November 2023.
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